Raikkonen determined to fit in at Ferrari
11 Jan 2007

Appearing at his first official press conference for Ferrari on Wednesday, Kimi Raikkonen dismissed suggestions that he will struggle to find his feet at the Italian team, following his much-anticipated move from McLaren.

"When I first went to the (Ferrari) factory and for the test I noticed the atmosphere is different, is very good," explained Raikkonen. People always said it was going to be very difficult with Ferrari, but from what I saw, it's been the complete opposite, so I only have good things to say about it. I don't see any problems between me and the team and how we work together."

Raikkonen was also quick to play down media claims that he could have a hard time stepping into Michael Schumachers shoes - and that his more laid-back attitude to racing could come as a shock to a team more used to his predecessors clinical approach.

We need to work together as well as we can, said the Finn. We need to change the way we work together. I am not Michael Schumacher and the team doesn't expect me to be. They know that I work in a different way and we just need to find the best and most effective way to work together.

Of course, coming here, people are always comparing to the previous driver who was Michael, the main guy in Formula One for many years. It's normal that people are expecting and comparing me but I don't feel it. I just do my own thing and work on my own way.

Raikkonen will make his Ferrari test debut later this month, following the expected launch of the teams new car at their Maranello base this weekend.

Formula1.com uses cookies to help give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to browse this site you give consent for cookies to be used. To find out more about cookies and how to manage them, click here